I have such mixed feelings when learning that a new client is also a nail tech. I’ve long gotten over the anxiety of feeling judged, and I nary bat an eye anymore when someone tells me they “used to” do nails or that they “went to school for this.” If I had a dollar for every person who used to do nails or went to schoolfor nails, I’d own a small private island in the South Pacific.

On one hand, I love getting to hang out with other nail techs. Especially ones who are currently working in the field. I get all excited, like I’m expecting a play date with a new friend. We’re going to have so much in common! And so much to talk about! Oh! This will be such fun!

But all too often what I meet with is someone who was thinking the same thing about me, and ends up pretty put out when it turns out that she was oh-so-not prepared to meet me.

For starters — I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you who follow my blog regularly — I’m somewhat of a unique character to begin with.

Then there’s my dedication to the online industry. And my dedication to continuing my education in my career. The subscriptions to trade magazines, my attendance of trade shows and seminars and following the competitions, and my interaction with so many nail artists from all around the world... and, of course, my annoying habit of actually working in compliance with state board regulations.

All that disinfecting and labeling and disposing of files and buffers and arbor bands. Can you even imagine?! As if!

I’ve been so fortunate to meet and interact with so many colleagues via the Internet who are on the same page as me. It can be a real eye-opener when a local tech lands in my chair and knows nothing about tradeshows or competitions or websites or throwing away their non-disinfectable files. And then says, “Oh, I know we’re supposed to throw those away, but I just reuse them” like I’m supposed to be on her side, me being a fellow tech and all.

I love meeting other techs and talking shop, but I don’t love the condescending attitude I get from techs who tell me I’m “overthinking” things and that I need to just “relax” because it’s “not that important” and, after all, it’s “just nails.”